i know it's only rock & roll but i like it…

album release: the ash & clay

The Milk Carton Kids’ third album is out today. The Ash & Clay is their first album since signing with Anti Records back in November. As a huge fan of these guys, it is really wonderful to watch them reaching an ever broader audience. Just in the past couple weeks The Ash & Clay has been featured on NPR and in The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. That Mercury Sound will be proud to say we knew them when…

The latest album delivers the cleverly crafted lyrics, delicately woven harmonies, and fine acoustic picking that have become their signature. Three of the tracks were heard earlier this year in the soundtrack for Gus Van Sant’s film Promised Land. And while I haven’t had time to play the new album to shreds just yet (as I have their previous two) I will say a personal standout for me is the quietly intoxicating “On the Mend.” The Milk Carton Kids always have a few songs on each album with a melody that you don’t even realize you’re falling for, until you’re totally in love.

The boys will be hitting the road again this spring in support of the album – first with a European leg and then back for a swing around the states. They are (deservedly) making their reputation as much on their fantastic and hilariously deadpan live shows as their consistently gorgeous music, so if you haven’t seen them live yet, stop messing around.

Cheers to Joey and Kenneth and another wonderful Milk Carton Kids album!